Let’s Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 1-5 with Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 2.

Originally posted on April 28, 2015

My appreciation for teachers has definitely grown through the years for a variety of reasons. Not only am I a parent of school-aged daughters, but my daily interaction with teachers has increased 10 fold while working at FastDirect. Each day I am lucky to witness their dedication, their enthusiasm, and their desire to do right by their students. The unique role they play in our childrens’ lives can be underestimated at times, yet one story from my 2nd grade daughter about how her teacher introduced her to a new book (that she loves!) and I am reminded again how I couldn’t do this parenting thing without their help!

As a tribute to the memorable teachers in our lives, I have collected a list of quotes from famous movies about, you guessed it – teachers! These movies have all had an impact on my life in one way or another and the educators in these movies embody the beauty of what it is they do, everyday. Even if you aren’t a parent or don’t work with teachers, these movies can give you a better understanding and appreciation for their craft and the impact they have in lives of our youth. Besides, I’m always looking for an excuse to pop some popcorn and watch an inspirational movie!

Dead Poets Society (1989 Schulman and Weir)

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” – John Keating (played by Robin Williams)

To Sir, With Love (1967 Clavel, based on E. R. Braithwaite’s semi-autobiographical 1959 novel To Sir, With Love)

“Teaching is like having a bank account. You can happily draw on it while it is well supplied with new funds; otherwise you’re in difficulties. Every teacher should have a fund of ready information on which to draw; he should keep that fund supplied regularly by new experiences, new thoughts and discoveries, by reading and moving around among people from whom he can acquire such things.” – Mark Thackeray (played by Sidney Poitier)

Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995 Herek and Duncan)

“A teacher has two jobs; fill young minds with knowledge, yes, but more important, give those minds a compass so that that knowledge doesn’t go to waste.” – Glenn Holland (played by Richard Dreyfuss)

Up the Down Staircase (1967 Mosel and Mulligan, based on the novel of the same name by Bel Kaufman)

“And that’s it; that’s why I want to teach; that’s the one and only compensation: to make a permanent difference in the life of a child.” – Sylvia Barrett (played by Sandy Dennis)

The Miracle Worker (1962 Penn and Gibson, based on Gibson’s 1959 play of the same title)

“

[after a breakthrough with Helen] Now all I have to teach you is one word – everything.” – Annie Sullivan (played by Anne Bancroft)

Another favorite of mine is The Karate Kid. Even though Mr. Miyagi isn’t your typical ‘teacher’, I can’t help but think how he exemplifies a lot of what a great teacher can do for any child – inspire, encourage curiosity, build confidence and discipline. Do you have a favorite movie that has an inspirational teacher?